The All People’s Congress (APC) has directed its districts and election officials to verify the status of ex-officio members ahead of the party’s forthcoming district elections, according to a public notice issued by the APC National Secretariat on September 23, 2026. The directive aims to ensure consistent application of the party's constitution and internal election rules, promoting an orderly, transparent, and credible electoral process.
The APC National Secretariat stated that Article 33(b)(XXI) of the party’s 2022 Constitution provides for a District Executive Committee including two ex-officio members elected at the District Convention. The Secretariat noted it had learned that some individuals might have been appointed or designated as ex-officio members without being duly elected at conventions.
Clarifying Ex-Officio Status
Districts and election officials have been directed to prepare and verify delegate lists in accordance with the All People’s Congress (APC) Constitution. Article 33(b)(XXI) of the party’s 2022 Constitution specifies that a District Executive Committee includes the immediate past District Chairman and two ex-officio members elected at the District Convention. The APC Secretariat noted its understanding that some individuals may have been appointed or designated as ex-officio members without having been elected at the most recent district conventions.
Consequently, the party stated that anyone appointed as an ex-officio member without proper election should not be recognized as a duly elected ex-officio member for the purpose of compiling delegate lists. The APC confirmed these clarifications were intended "to support consistent application of its Constitution and internal election rules and to promote an orderly, transparent and credible electoral process." This directive aims to ensure that only properly elected officials participate as ex-officio members in the upcoming district elections.
Eligibility Rules and Elections
An aspirant for an ex-officio position within the All People’s Congress (APC) must satisfy ordinary constitutional eligibility requirements and demonstrate previous substantive service in a recognized party office. The National Secretariat issued a separate clarification on September 22, 2026, regarding eligibility for ex-officio positions and the participation of officers from the Independent Elections Management Committee (IEMC) in internal elections.
The clarification stated that any officer of the IEMC who wishes to become a candidate in an election administered by the committee should be disqualified from contesting that specific election. This measure aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Ensuring Constitutional Adherence
The All People’s Congress (APC) has affirmed that its recent clarifications are designed to support the consistent application of its Constitution and internal election rules, thereby promoting an orderly, transparent, and credible electoral process. According to the party, "The APC said the clarifications were intended to support consistent application of its Constitution and internal election rules and to promote an orderly, transparent and credible electoral process."
The party further stated that mere membership alone is not sufficient to qualify an individual for an ex-officio position. Aspirants must demonstrate prior substantive institutional experience within the party to meet the eligibility requirements for such roles. This directive aims to ensure that candidates for ex-officio positions possess the necessary background and engagement with party structures, aligning with the constitutional provisions governing these roles.